Jammin For Joseph: Let's make a difference against Muscular Dystrophy
This Friday night at the FILLMORE in downtown Detroit, it's time to jam, rock out, and do it all in the fight against muscular dystrophy. Yet, it's more than just a cause, but it's about a child affected by this illness, for whom we should come out, enjoy great performances, and truly make a difference. His name is Joseph Penrod, and together with his parents, and an amazing star-studded Detroit line-up of artists, the FILLMORE needs to be filled so we can find a cure for this awful disease.
As defined by Wikipedia Muscular Dystrophy is a group of hereditary muscular diseases that weaken the muscles that move the human body. Thus, this Friday night at the FILLMORE in Detroit let's weaken and find a cure to Muscular Dystrophy all well enjoying performances by artists such as Cody StageFright, and Hush. Of course there will be many more artists there, and tickets are still available at: http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/417813?c=api-000044-cj-3584429-sid-
For full event information see below, and together let's find a cure, as we Jam out for Joseph.
TICKETS:
$20 for main floor general admission. $30 for main floor reserved
seating. $75 for VIP reserved mezzanine seating with strolling gourmet
dinner from 5:30-6:45.
This is an ALL-AGES show
Commerce
Township resident, Joseph Penrod, was diagnosed with Muscular
Dystrophy, his parents have devoted themselves to finding a cure and
increasing awareness for the disease. They've teamed up with Detroit
hip hop artist, Hush, to plan a huge benefit concert at the Fillmore
(formerly State) Theatre in downtown Detroit.
WITH APPEARANCES BY:
*HUSH*
*HOTSAUCE*
*THE WALLED LAKE CENTRAL DRUMLINE*
*CODY STAGEFRIGHT*
* THE GUNLINE BAND*
*RO SPIT
*MONICA BLAIRE
*BRILLIANCE
*QUEST MCODY
*DJ INVISIBLE
*With An Acoustic Performance By Robin Horlock On The Mezzanine As Well.*
The Strolling Gourmet Dinner will be provided by:
CENTAUR
P.F. CHANG'S China Bistro
UPTOWN GRILLE
AUBREE'S Pizzeria & Tavern
ART INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN CULINARY SCHOOL
And More!
The Jammin' For Joseph 2 After Party Will Be At:
CENTAUR
2233 Park Avenue
Detroit MI. 48201
(313) 963-4040
Centaurbar.com
EVENT SPONSORS:
MDA
BURN RUBBER
BOXED WATER
HI END DESIGNS
TOAST LIFE
SOCIAL CONNECTION
NEW MIX
EL JIMADOR
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY:
*WILSON LUXURY LIMOUSINES*
*866.546.6021
*As
part of the concert this year, we're sponsoring an art contest for high
school students. The theme is "Hope." Great prizes! Winner announced on
stage at the show. Please spread the word. For more information contact
Dorene Pulgini at dlp1201@comcast.net or 248-320-0899. Let's get
creative
Everything we know about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is
the history of the disease. This group, these friends, your energy and
good thoughts, and Joseph represent the FUTURE of the disease. And the
future will be bright!
OF ROSEVILLE
READY TO CELEBRATE A WORLD WITH LESS CANCER AND
MORE BIRTHDAYS
(ROSEVILLE,
MI) – On March 23, 2010 from 6:30pm-7:00pm,
the 6th Annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Roseville will
officially get underway as event volunteers and participants gather at RosevilleMasonicCenter
for a kickoff rally to launch their fundraising efforts for the year.
Although
the Relay For Life of Roseville is more than 3 months away, now is the time to
get involved. Residents are invited to attend the kick-off celebration to learn
more about the upcoming Relay For Life and how they can become part of an
exciting overnight event that can lead to world with less cancer and more
birthdays. The Kick Off party will be held at the Roseville Masonic Centerin Roseville, located at 27151
Gratiotfrom 6:30pm-8:00pm. Refreshments
will be served. This is a free event but please RSVP to 248-663-3420 by March
16th.
Relay
For Life is the Society’s signature event, dedicated to increasing awareness
and raising funds to fight cancer. Teams of family, friends and co-workers camp
out overnight, taking turns walking the track. During the event, participants
and vistors willhave a chance to: celebrate
the victory of area cancer survivors during the Survivors Lap, remember those we have lost to the disease
during the poignant Luminaria Ceremony, and participate in the Fight Back Ceremony that gives everyone a chance to proclaim their
way of taking action against the disease.
Donations can be made to this local
Relay For Life event by visiting www.relayforlife.org./rosevillemi.Community members can also start or join a
team here.
The
2010 Relay For Life of Roseville will take place on June 5-6, 2010 at the Veteran’s Memorial
Park from 10am-10am. For more information on how you can get
involved or about the kick-off event, contact Chiara Clayton at 248-663-3420 or
chiara.clayton@cancer.org.
# # #
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion
with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from
cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we
fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save
lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early;
by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer
diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and
by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by
rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest
non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion,
we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11
million people in America
who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating
birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime,
day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Corinne’s Corner: Teen Anxiety healthy and unhealthy
For those of us who are older, somewhat wiser, and more mature, we may look back at our teen years with a mix of different emotions. Some have reminisced on good times, good people, and the great experiences of high school, whereas others tend to keep moving forward with no intentions of looking back. Yet, one thing has always been prevalent with teens, and that is anxiety. High School is more than just fun and good times, its academics, planning for the future, athletics, and fitting in with peers. Furthermore, after speaking with Corrinne E. Forys, a Graduate Counseling student at Wayne State University, I had a much better understanding of healthy versus unhealthy anxiety when it comes to teens.
“Essentially, when there is nothing to fight or flee from but the body and the brain react as though there is, anxiety becomes problematic,” said Forys . Yet, with teens, certain things can trigger anxiety, and the anxieties they face are rather unique and challenging. “Most adolescents believe that they are constantly being watched by what psychologists call the imaginary audience, and that consists of feeling as though they’re always being watched from the stain on their shirt to the pimple on their chin,” said Forys. She then continued on. “The imaginary audience can drive different teens in different ways, such as goals towards high achievement, or attention seeking behaviors,” said Forys, who also stated that in some cases it can cause debilitating anxiety.
External pressures are also a cause of great anxiety for teens. “Another source of anxiety for adolescents is the increasing expectations and responsibilities of school, after-school activities, family, and friends, “said Forys. “A seventeen year old during a single month may be deciding what college to attend, juggling 4 honors classes, playing in the basketball championship game, fighting with their boyfriend or girlfriend, and dealing with a parental divorce,” said Forys who went on to state that a load like that is huge for the teen and their anxiety. She then continued on. “That would be a huge load for any of us to handle, but add to that fact that adolescents brains, haven’t yet developed where emotional regulation is fully mature, and you run the potential for anxiety take over,” said Forys.
Although, how does all of this relate to teens and their personalities. “Personality is still very much in flux, during adolescence,” said Forys who also stated that it is with good reasons that individuals under the age of 18 should not be diagnosed with a personality disorder. There are many different teen personalities, and some are unhealthier than others. “Perfectionism can certainly contribute to anxiety, though they’re not necessarily inextricably linked, but perfectionism can lead to high anxiety,” said Forys.
Two other big aspects that play a role in teen anxiety are trauma and substance abuse. “Experiencing a trauma can also contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder,” said Forys who also stated that post traumatic stress disorder is the most notable when it comes to anxiety disorders. “Substance use or abuse can either exacerbate or mask the symptoms of pathological anxiety,” said Forys who also stated that substances are used to dull the senses instead facing the real issues.
Okay, so we’ve heard about the problems with teen anxiety, so let’s end with the solutions. “One of the best things teens can do for themselves is maintain a healthy support system,” said Forys. Yet, there are more solutions. “Teens should also set realistic expectations, and remember to forgive themselves when they can’t do it all,” said Forys who also recommended exercise, meditation, yoga, and school counseling. “The most important thing is to ask for help if the anxiety gets too overwhelming, because it’s okay for anyone to ask for help when something feels bigger than you can control,” said Forys who wants to remind all of us that there are always resources available.
Thus, the goal is for teens to find a balance. A balance that is much needed under stressful situations as teens discover who they are, what life is all about, and do it all while learning how to better cope with daily anxiety.
The Simple Life
No, it’s not Paris and Nicole, and their adventures on reality television. Instead, let’s dive head first into a life that’s based on enjoying the every day splendors of living. Regardless of if it’s a nice relaxing walk, or enjoying a cup of tea of coffee, or just enjoying a good book, their truly is something to be said about a simplistic way of living. This of course extends beyond the means of psychological and physiological gains, but it also dives into the physical benefits as well.
Of course when you chose to live a more simplistic life, you become more appreciative, and aware of the positive aspects of just watching the leaves turn, but you also can gain a lot from a physical perspective. When you go for those walks, or enjoy a nice bike ride through the park, you can guarantee that you are shedding pounds as you take in your scenery. The bottom line is that with a more simplistic lifestyle you can help to eliminate the clutter of craziness that can sometimes build up in our lives.
Yet another area of your life that will improve from simplicity is the environment. A more simplistic life can lead to less money spent, which in turn leads to less consumption. When your focused on what you have, and you don’t need to spend as much, you’re not consuming as much, and in turn there will not be as much waste in the environment. Furthermore, you will enjoy nature more, and take in each day, and appreciate the basic beauties of the changing of the seasons.
Thus, the simplistic lifestyle may not be for everyone based upon their psychological make-up. Also, the simplistic lifestyle does not mean that you cannot live a busy lifestyle from a work/personal perspective. Instead, what it does mean is that you can work hard, enjoy more of every day living, and smile more often knowing that you’re life is less cluttered, less chaotic, and that the every day experiences with people and the environment that surrounds you are more meaningful. For more information on the benefits of simplicity and a simple life go to: http://mysuperchargedlife.com/blog/14-benefits-of-simplicity-that-lead-to-a-good-life/
Remembering Ashlee and her legacy
Ashlee Drouillard and her memory will be celebrated at this coming year’s Roseville, Michigan Relay for Life Event on June 5-June 6. We hope to see everyone come out to the event, which will celebrate Ashlee, who inspired us all last year with her speech, courage, and determination. Yet, there is also a way to remember Ashlee and do it all by rockin out. See below for details about this Friday’s Event at the Roseville, Parks and RecreationCenter.
Benefit Rock Show for the family of Ashlee Drouillard
The Paul Green School of Rock Music St. Clair Shores’ House Band will be performing a BENEFIT ROCK CONCERT on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27th in honor of Ashlee Drouillard.
The benefit will be held at the RosevilleRecreationCenter from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Tickets: $5 per person at the Door
All ages are welcome!
*Cash Donations will be accepted*
We hope to see as many people as possible for the benefit on Friday, and we hope that everyone remembers that we can and we will make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Learning Series 1: Autism
It was not until recently that I became aware of and started to better understand the world of autism. I had heard it mentioned briefly as a child and as a teen, but yet, I had no idea what it was at the time. Even at this point, not only for me but for many others, autism remains a puzzling and often misunderstood condition. However, it was when I spoke to my good friend and Behavioral Technician Leah France that I started to gain a better understanding about autism.
For starters many of us probably do not know what autism really is. “Autism is a neurological condition that impairs a person’s ability with social interaction and communication as well as having restrictive and repetitive behaviors,” said France who went on to say that autism is considered a spectrum disorder. “With a spectrum disorder there is a wide variety of behaviors and levels of functioning, ranging from low-functioning to the highest functioning which is called Asperger’s Syndrome,” said France.
Okay, so now we know what it is, but the question still remains as to why it is has become so common these days. “Although it remains unclear, part of the reason it is more common now, is that since the 1980’s and 1990’s the criteria for diagnosing autism has changed,” said France who also stated that the criteria was not as clear back then, and that today’s numbers state that 1 in every 150 children are diagnosed with autism, and it is more common in boys.
Yet, let’s turn to the answers regarding the hope for an individual living with autism. “There is no cure for autism, however when behavioral intervention is done between the ages of 18 months to 3 years, it can have lasting improvements with functioning,” said France who in her work implements Applied Behavior Analysis techniques which reinforces behaviors with social praise, food, and/or a highly preferred toy, and also by extinguishing nonfunctional behaviors by ignoring the actual behaviors.
From here it is important to know what we can do as a whole to help in better understanding those with autism. “It is important that people know that this is something that someone is born with, and for people to stop believing that it isn’t a disorder, because we should appreciate the gifts people with autism bring into the world,” said France who went on to state that in any setting people with autism aren’t just acting out for the sake of doing so, and it is by no means the parents fault, but instead it is a condition.
Still, what about the aspects of autism that relates to the family dynamics. In other words, how is a family affected by a loved one who has autism? “Having a child with autism can make big changes for any family, in that they often need more special attention,” said France who went on to list the five main areas with which autism affects a family:
1. Parental expectations of the child
2. Lack of attention or worrying about typically developed children in the family
3. Strain on marriage due to stress and time management
4. Holding onto family traditions; i.e. taking a family vacation
5. Maintaining a social life for the parents in spite of the obstacles and challenges associated with autism, France has no doubt that she enjoys doing what she does.
“Although working with kids with autism can be a challenge at times, it is well worth it, because I feel rewarded everyday by seeing these kids really progress,” said France who believes that it’s the kids who come first and it’s their diagnosis that is second.
For that reason, and many more I was glad that Leah France lent her time and knowledge about an often confusing and misunderstood world. It is a world that if we all begin to understand, we can lend a hand and our support for those living with autism.
Jesus: Not Cool
You could be wondering just what is it that I have up my sleeve with this piece? Maybe it’s because it’s about religion that you’ve decided to move on, and not read any further. Still, I would urge all of you out there regardless of creed, belief, or philosophy to take a deeper look. You should take a deeper look into the world of Jesus, Christianity, and its lack of popularity. Many will claim they do not know what I am talking about, or what I am referring to, but yet from my own experiences there is some light that needs to be shed. It is the light and wondering as to why Jesus is so unpopular in certain aspects of our mainstream American, or even global society. For these answers we will begin with the thoughts and ideas of Julie Herrmann, a Christian who felt that my questions were tough, but she was glad to answer them in the best way possible.
To begin with, one must wonder just why is Christianity the world’s largest religion. “Christians span the entire globe and infiltrate every part of society, and the Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book in the world,” said Herrmann who believes that because of this Christians and Christianity has spread everywhere in the literal sense. Next up: the lack of popularity. “For many Christianity is what you do for that hour and a half on Sunday followed by a “normal” life during the week,” said Herrmann. She would then go on to explain in greater detail. “People think Christianity is full of rules and regulations, such as no sex, no cursing, not watching certain movies or listening to some music because it’s of the devil, and if you keep doing what you’re doing you will go straight to hell,” said Herrmann, who fully understands that no one wants to feel judged, and she also believes that some “Christians” have helped cement stereotypes about the faith of Christ into the American World-View.
“It appears rigid, cold, unattainable, and without hope,” said Herrmann who also stated that in some countries you can still be murdered for professing to be a Christian. “If you were to go to any large progressive City, there may be an undercurrent that if you’re a Christian you are weak-minded, easily swayed, and uneducated,” said Herrmann. Thus, the question remains as to what stereotypes do Christians face in our society at large? “Some of the stereotypes are that Christians are easily swayed on all issues, that we are goody-two-shoes who have never experienced a hard or difficult life, and that we are all right-wing, extremist, fundamentalists,” said Herrmann who continued on to say that many also feel that Christian pastors just want money.
Next up on the agenda was Dan Bethel, another follower of Christ who took time out of his busy schedule to give me some insight into the current situation with Christ and Christianity. “There are many people all over the world who consider themselves Christians by believing in God, occasionally attending a Church for some kind of social event, and generally adhering to a Judeo-Christian ethic,” said Bethel. Well, isn’t that what it means to be a Christian? According to Bethel the answer is no. “At the core of people’s conversion and spiritual growth is God who initiates,” said Bethel who believes that from a Biblical perspective God truly wants to have that relationship with humanity.
Although, Bethel also had some reasoning as to why Christianity can be and is unpopular with people. “Christians have done terrible things, such as neglecting the poor, making judgments without mercy, and being hypocritical,” said Bethel who continued on to say that Christians have even upheld social injustices such as racism and sexism. He then continued on with another type of reasoning as to why Christianity is not popular. “I believe there is a spiritual/supernatural dynamic at work in opposition to Christ,” said Bethel who also feels that unlike Hollywood portrayals it is rarely dramatic or obvious, but instead it is subtle.
As for Julie and Dan, I thanked them both for their opinions, thoughts, and the sharing of their beliefs. However, I am sure that many of you have a multitude of thoughts on this issue, ideology, and belief system. Regardless, please remember that the point of all of this was to start a healthy conversation, thought, and possible debate. It was not meant to offend but instead it is about Jesus, Christianity, and where we fit in with it all.
